Solve Chemistry Gas Laws Homework: V1/T1 = v2/T2

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a gas law problem using the equation V1/T1 = V2/T2. The user attempted to calculate the lung volume of a person whose temperature rises from 36°C to 39°C, initially declaring V1 as 3.5L. The incorrect calculation yielded 3.79L instead of the correct 3.53L. The key takeaway is the necessity of using absolute temperature in Kelvin for accurate gas law calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gas laws, specifically Charles's Law.
  • Knowledge of temperature conversion from Celsius to Kelvin.
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of equations.
  • Basic concepts of lung capacity and its measurement.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to convert Celsius to Kelvin for gas law calculations.
  • Study Charles's Law in detail to understand its applications.
  • Practice solving gas law problems with varying conditions.
  • Explore the implications of temperature on gas volume in real-world scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying chemistry, particularly those focusing on gas laws, as well as educators looking for examples of common mistakes in gas law calculations.

student54321
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


People who are angry sometimes say that the feel as if they will explode. If a calm person with a lung capacity of 3.5L and a body temp of 36C gets angry, what will the volume of the persons lungs be if their temp rises to 39C.


Homework Equations


V1/T1 = v2/T2


The Attempt at a Solution


I did it like this:
Declared variables; v1=3.5L, v2 = *?*, T1 = 36C, T2=39C

put them into the formula; 39(3.5) = 36(V2)
and ended up getting 3.79L instead of the correct answer which is 3.53L.

Obviously I have zero idea of what I am doing if I get an answer wrong. Only answer if you understand what you're talking about. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When using gas laws, you should always use absolute temperature (temperature in kelvins)! Otherwise, the way you set up the calculation is correct.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
7K
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K